PAK vs AUS, 1st T20I Match Prediction: Who will win today’s game between Pakistan and Australia?

The first T20I between Pakistan and Australia is set for January 29, 2026, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This three-match series serves as the final, high-stakes warm-up for both sides before they head to the T20 World Cup 2026 starting February 7.

Pakistan’s squad led by Salman Ali Agha sees the return of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, though they have made the bold move of omitting veterans like Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf. Pakistan are coming off a decent run, having recently competed in a tri-series and a series against Sri Lanka.

Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, arrive with a squad that balances experience with fresh faces like Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards. While Glenn Maxwell and several key pacers are skipping this tour to prepare for the World Cup directly, the Aussies remain a formidable side, especially after their 3-0 clean sweep against Pakistan in late 2024.

PAK vs AUS, 1st T20I: Match Details

Date and Time: January 29; 4:30 pm IST / 11:00 am GMT / 4:00 pm Local
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

PAK vs AUS, Head-to-Head Record (T20Is):

Matches played: 28 | Pakistan won: 13 | Australia won: 14 | No result/Tied: 1

Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium is traditionally a batter’s paradise with a flat surface and true bounce, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots freely. Historically, teams winning the toss prefer to defend. In 34 T20Is at this venue, the team batting first has won 20 times compared to 14 for the chasing side. While pacers can find some early movement under the lights, the pitch tends to dry out, offering significant turn to spinners as the game progresses.

Squads

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Australia: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stonis, Adam Zampa

Also READ: Babar Azam returns, Haris Rauf dropped as Pakistan unveil squad for T20 World Cup 2026